Go global with weekend international events

This weekend three major international festivals will be happening in the Triangle, bringing culture, cuisine and goods from around the world.

Posted 6:15 p.m. Sep 25, 2012 — Updated 6:27 p.m. Jul 13, 2018

Caitlin Zanga

This weekend, four exciting international festivals will be happening in the Triangle, giving you the opportunity to take a mini vacation without the airport headache. Here's a rundown of each festival's highlights.

International Festival of Raleigh: Friday-Sunday at the Raleigh Convention Center

The festival kicks off with a Naturalization Ceremony, where you can watch new American citizens take their oath. Watch over 30 dances from countries around the globe on the main stage, and check out the dozens of musical acts on the Biergarten Stage. There will be a fun passport scavenger hunt for the kids, as well as face painting, balloon animals and story telling. The world bazaar will feature lots of crafts and other goods.

A weekend pass is $19, while day passes are $6 on Friday and $8 for the rest of the weekend. Seniors and kids 7-12 get a discount, and children 6 and under are free.

International Folk Festival: Friday-Sunday at Festival Park in Fayetteville

Art highlights Friday's opening, with gallery exhibitions and artist performances. The Parade of Nations will kick of Saturday's celebration, followed by live music, international cuisine and all the vendors and kid's activities you could ask for. Native American cultures will be celebrated in a special exhibit. The event is free to all.

Raleigh Irish Festival: Saturday at Moore Square Park in Raleigh

This festival is centered on Ireland, but there will still be tons of art, entertainment, music and food. Don't miss special guests Briege Murphy and The Sean Keane Band, who have traveled all the way from Ireland to be here. Vendors will be selling Celtic jewelry and other items (never to early to think about holiday shopping). The kids can enjoy the inflatables and rides, and there will be demonstrations about Irish sports and competitions. Afterward the party will move to Tir na nOg. The Irish Festival is free.

¡Celebración!: Saturday at the North Carolina Museum of History

This event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and features music and dance performances, craft demonstrations and Latin American cuisine. There will be dozens of shows and presentations across five stages, so there will be plenty to see. Kids will enjoy the hands on activities planned for the day. Admission is free.

Which country are you excited to visit this weekend?

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